Hitoshi Iwanaga

Treatment for Distal Radius Fracture Using External Fixation with Electrical Stimulation

We performed treatment for distal radius fracture using the Bone Grow External Fixator (BGF, MES co.) which combines non-bridging type external fixation with electrical stimulation. 7 fractures (three males and four females) were treated with the BGF. The age ranged from 32 to 76 years (average; 59.3 years). We removed the BGF four to six weeks after recognizing bone union on X-ray.As the BGF is of the non-bridging type, it allows range of motion exercise at an early stage and prevents loss of radius length after removal. However this method by itself is not adequate for severe osteoporotic cases and comminuted fractures. For these cases we obtained satisfactory results by using with β-TCP, minimum open reduction and internal fixation. We need more cases to evaluate utility of electrical stimulation.